POWER PLAY STREET HOCKEY TOURNAMENT SET FOR JULY 29-30

Local street hockey players, who have been hungry for a low-budget grass-roots summer tournament to test their skills, now have it: the Penguins Power Play Street Hockey Tournament.

In fact, the Penguins Power Play Street Hockey Tournament takes the concept of NHL Breakout and goes one better: It takes street hockey off the parking lots and onto rinks especially designed for the game.

The Penguins Power Play Street Hockey Tournament takes place July 29-30 at Greater Pittsburgh Dekhockey in Penn Hills and at Murrysville Dekhockey on Route 22. Play will be held in three youth divisions (7-9, 10-12, 13-15) and in two adult divisions (16 & over, 30 & over). Age as of 1/1/06 determines eligibility. Competition will be further segregated according to experience and skill level.

The tournament is inexpensive: $125 per team. All profits benefit the Penguins’ “Hockey in the ‘Hood” inner-city hockey program.

“We’re going to do what the NHL did, and open the game up,” said tournament director Mark Madden. “The Penguins Power Play Street Hockey Tournament will be 4-on-4, just like overtime in the NHL. There’s going to be a lot of goals, a lot of saves, and a lot of excitement.”

Pittsburgh has an extensive street hockey tradition. Greater Pittsburgh Dekhockey was the first full-time street hockey rink, opening in 1986. Over a half-dozen street hockey rinks now dot the Western Pennsylvania landscape, with over 5,000 players participating.

For more information on the Penguins Power Play Street Hockey Tournament, call 412-231-6759 or e-mail Streethockeyusa@hotmail.com.

Roller hockey players, the Penguins haven’t forgotten about you! There will be a Penguins Power Play Roller Hockey Tournament this coming fall!

“It requires a lot of money to play ice hockey,” said Madden. “Off-ice hockey is a cheaper and fun alternative, as well as a great way for ice hockey players to refine their skills. The Penguins Power Play Street Hockey Tournament is another example of the Penguins reaffirming their commitment to every facet of Pittsburgh’s hockey community.”